NIH issues clarification on yet another new biosketch format

NOT-OD-16-080 clarifies the instructions for biosketches to be included with proposals that have application due dates on or after May 25, 2016.

Also, don't forget that for these applications, most will be using the new Forms D packages on Grants.gov. Be sure you download the correct version!

AACU announces call for proposals for the Transforming Undergraduate STEM Education conference

The Association of American Colleges & Universities and Project Kaleidoscope announces a call for proposals, due March 24, for their "Transforming Undergraduate STEM Education: Implications for 21st Century Society" conference in Boston, November 3-5, 2016. Learn more at their website: http://www.aacu.org/meetings/stem/16.

NSF Director France Cordova on Women in STEM

"Despite advances in overall STEM degrees, women are still vastly underrepresented in fields like physics and engineering; the number of women receiving a bachelor's degree in computer science has actually declined since 2002. This spills over into disparities in employment and even salary: In 2013, median salaries were highest for those with doctorates in computer and information sciences and engineering, fields in which men outnumber women substantially. To close these gaps, we must promote gender diversity in STEM education, and support women every step along their path to a science or engineering career. And we must get more girls excited about STEM. Every child has a moment when their imagination is sparked by science and engineering. Watching Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin step onto the Moon was that moment for me -- it was a reminder of my early, innate interest in science and space.

Imagine if we could keep that spark alive and nurture it. We would have a new generation of scientists and engineers, a new STEM-savvy generation."

Read the full post, and more, in Dr. Cordova's blog, NSF Director Field Notes.